Ordinary resident card (carte de résident ordinaire), including for salaried workers
Under Law 29-2017, which amended Law 23-96 on the entry, stay and exit of foreigners in the Republic of Congo, a foreigner who stays more than three months is a resident. A resident must hold a resident card. A foreigner who entered legally and wants to live in Congo must report to the immigration authorities within 15 days of entry and apply for the card. The ordinary resident card is valid for 1 year and can be renewed. Salaried workers must include a work contract or a certificate signed by an approved employer, and foreigners may work only once they meet these immigration conditions.
Life in Republic of the Congo
Money
3
Currency
Central African CFA Franc
XAF
Central African CFA Franc
Cost of living
40
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
1–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
IRPP per family-quotient share: 1% up to XAF 464,000, 10% to 1,000,000, 25% to 3,000,000, 40% to 8,000,000, 45% above XAF 8,000,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#120 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals moving to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) to work, study, minister or otherwise live there for more than three months.
Eligibility
Apply within 15 days
Report to the immigration authorities and apply for a resident card within 15 days of legal entry if you want to reside.
15 days
Deadline after entry · from date of entry
- Failing to do so can lead to removal (art. 22)
Official wording
A foreigner who entered legally and wants to reside must, within 15 days of entry, report to the immigration authorities and apply for a resident card, or face removal (art. 22).
Resources
A foreigner wishing to settle must show their resources (art. 19). The decision considers resources, including professional activity (art. 28).
Salaried work
The application must include a work contract or a certificate signed by an approved employer, if the foreigner is an employee (art. 24). Other professional activities need approval from the Congolese ministry responsible for that activity.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementWork only with immigration compliance
- Document checklistValid passport with entry visa (if required)
- FeesResident card stamp duty
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 more requirements
- 11 documents
- 2 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Republic of the Congo
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Official sources
Other routes to Republic of the Congo
- Visit & tourismRepublic of Congo (Brazzaville) tourist and business visa from an embassy
- Permanent residencePrivileged resident card (carte de résident privilégié), 5 years
Work permits in other countries
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- CameroonEmployment: MINEFOP-approved (visé) work contract, long stay visa and carte de séjour
- ChinaZ (work) visa with Foreigner's Work Permit and work-type residence permit
- CubaTemporary residence with a work permit
- CuraçaoCuraçao residence permit (work, family, investor, pensioner, study) and declarations
